IGCSE

Introduction:

Headstart School IGCSE is a two year programme which admits up to one hundred and fifty students each year. Unlike the traditional three year programmes for IGCSE at other schools, we follow a very concise, challenging, and intensive course of study, which begins in the eighth grade.

The programme is open to all students who have completed their middle years’ education. However, due to the two-year duration of the programme, examination preparation starts earlier, and students sit their external assessments at the conclusion of 9th grade.

Further Academic support is provided through extra classes with the school’s permanent Faculty, counseling sessions at the Guidance Counselor’s office, and the peer tutoring programme.

An extensive after-school co-curricular programme supplements academic life. Students are given the opportunity to participate in public speaking, sports, music, art, and drama to further explore their physical, intellectual and creative potential.

Curriculum and Instructions:

Students usually elect to take Islamiat, Pakistan Studies, and Urdu at the end of their first year in IGCSE – that is in the 9th grade. Those students who join Headstart after completing 9th grade elsewhere are accommodated and brought up to speed on material in a shorter period of time with the help of our experienced teachers. Due to the strengths of our Faculty members in preparing students to sit for Cambridge exams, we provide exemplary support to make up for any missed time and assignments.

At the end of their final year (10th grade) students take the remainder of their elective and compulsory examinations.

English, Mathematics, and Computer Studies are also compulsory for Headstart students. There are over 23-course offerings to choose from in addition to these subjects. A comprehensive list is provided below.

Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies, and Urdu are not compulsory for those students applying to foreign institutions for Higher Education, nor is it a requirement for those who are foreign citizens or dual nationality holders. Pakistani residents whose families are certain they will be sending their children abroad for Higher Education are also not required to take those three subjects.

In their place, students tend to choose from World History, Development Studies, and German – or English Literature.

Grading Policy:

Headstart’s challenging internal grading aims to ensure success in the CIE Exams. Individual grades are assigned by instructors and a cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) is also calculated for each student that correlates to a letter grade. Classroom instruction allows for broad inquiry and intellectual growth within each course. Coursework is always focused on strengthening students’ knowledge base in preparation for their Cambridge International Examinations. Academic assessments are conducted on a monthly basis and progress reports are issued to students and parents.

Letter grade and assigned GPA:

A* Exceptional – 4.0

A Excellent – 4.0

B Above Average – 3.5

C Average – 3.0

D Below Average – 2.5

U Fail (60 or below) – 0.0

W Withdraw

Subject Selection:

Students choose a combination of subjects in line with their interests and the Guidance Counselor ensures there is a strong correlation between interests, A’ Level studies, and University Admissions. Each student tailors a course of study unique to their academic interests with knowledge of equivalence requirements made available to parents at the time of subject selection. It is advised to take certain subject combinations based on the chosen field of study at A’ Level, and at Higher Education institutions. However, Headstart students usually take a wide variety and range of courses to enrich their learning experience and there is the minimal restriction when taking electives.